Irish Olympic appeal to be heard next week – “All we are looking for is fair play”

The appeal by Horse Sport Ireland and Cian O'Connor seeking an Olympic place for the Irish showjumping team will be heard by the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne, Switzerland next week. In a press release, Horse Sport Ireland writes that the hearing will take place on Wednesday, December 16th.

Horse Sport Ireland's legal team for the hearing will be led by well known Senior Counsel Mr. Martin Hayden. He will be supported by Barrister Mr. David Casserly, who is an expert CAS Counsel, along with Mr. Joe Fitzpatrick and Mr. Eamon Carey from Smithwick Solicitors.

Horse Sport Ireland Chairman Pat Wall said: "To have a showjumping team at the Olympic Games is very important for Ireland. Our riders and their owners are doing a huge amount to promote Ireland as a world leader in the sport of showjumping. They went to the European Championships to pursue their Olympic dream. A freak incident occurred on the day which hindered our efforts. All we are looking for is fair play. We are convinced that if this incident had not happened, the Irish showjumping team would be going to the Olympics.”

"Our legal team have prepared diligently. Mr. Martin Hayden and Mr. Joe Fitzpatrick are also involved in, and have a huge passion for, our sport. They have put in a huge effort to prepare this case.”

"In addition, Cian O'Connor has his own legal advisors involved, and the two teams have been working closely to ensure we put forward the strongest possible case", Mr. Wall said.